White-tailed Ptarmigan Wearing Snowshoes | Rocky Mountain National Park

Look who is wearing snowshoes for winter!

Winds are a blowing today in the park and if you are a White-tailed Ptarmigan you are well equipped for the blasts of winter. This smallest member of the grouse family spends summer on the Rocky alpine tundra and in winter is frequently near treeline to forage on willows and other plants.

For winter, a Ptarmigan’s plumage is white to blend into their surrounds making it more difficult for predators to find them. Another winter adaptation is adding dense white feathering on both the tops and bottoms of its feet and its claws grow longer essentially growing a pair of insulated snowshoes to help through the cold snowy season. 

(NPS Photo VIP Daugherty)sl

Much Needed Snow in Bear Lake Area | Rocky Mountain National Park

Finally some much needed snow! There is 11"of snow on the ground in the Bear Lake area, with 3.5" of new snow. There are icy road conditions that are currently being plowed. 
https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm

The tiniest details in nature can paint the prettiest picture | Rocky Mountain National Park

The tiniest details in nature can paint the prettiest picture. Many of the rocks in the park are covered with colorful lichen. Share a moment when you paused to notice the "little things". (NPS Photo/VIP Schonlau) cl

Rocky Mountain National Park

Scenic Landscape | Rocky Mountain National Park

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
I am struck by the simplicity of light in the atmosphere in the autumn, as if the earth absorbed none, and out of this profusion of dazzling light came the autumnal tints. 
-Henry David Thoreau, Oct. 12, 1852 (Bear Lake Road 9-23-15 NPS/VIP R Williams) ks

Trail Ridge Road night closure! | Rocky Mountain National Park

Trail Ridge Road night closure!

Higher sections of Trail Ridge Road will temporarily close overnight at 8:00 p.m. tonight due to cold temperatures, snow and ice due to forecasted inclement weather conditions. The park will re-assess the road conditions in the morning. Temporary closures on the higher sections of Trail Ridge Road can occur throughout the fall season as a precursor to the upcoming winter season before the road closes for the season in later October. Check the current Trail Ridge status line at 970-568-1222 for updates. Keep up on the developing weather this weekend through the park’s webcams:

https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm
(Photo Alpine Visitor Center webcam)sl

Trail Ridge Road | Rocky Mountain National Park

FAQ FRIDAY
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., and high point is at 12,183 feet. It is full of spectacular scenery! 11 miles are above 11,500 feet and there are no shoulders and few guardrails. Today is the first day of fall! Weather conditions may change rapidly up there any time of year, but especially in fall, so be prepared to adjust your travel plans accordingly. For your safety, always be aware of current weather conditions. The mountains are a rugged, harsh place and it is your responsibility to be aware of the conditions and your surroundings. How to do this? Plan ahead!
- Check high altitude forecasts on the National Weather Service website. Here is a point forecast for the Alpine Visitor Center http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.75560&lat=40.44288#.WcWRHk0UlaR
- Check RMNP’s Trail Ridge Road Status voicemail message at 970-586-1222. This recorded message is updated any time the road status changes (opens or closes), and is available 24 hours/day
- Check RMNP’s twitter site, http://twitter.com/rockynps
Know before you go!
(Photo: These were the conditions last Saturday morning, Sept 16, up on Trail Ridge Road! NPS/VIP K Daugherty) ks

#NationalPark #Colorado #CO 




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Rocky Mountain National Park

From Rocky Mountain National Park:

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I only think about how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong. 
-R. Buckminster Fuller (NPS/VIP K Daugherty) ks 

#Scenic #Landscape #NationalPark #Colorado #CO 






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The Ephemeral Pleasures of Nature

From Rocky Mountain National Park:

Summer days are slipping away, fleeting like the sun’s golden glow. Now’s the time to pause and savor the ephemeral pleasures of nature. (jm)

NPS Photo/C. Brindle

 

#NationalPark #RockyMountainNationalPark #Scenic #Landscape 

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Bull Elk on Tundra

From Rocky Mountain National Park:

FAQ FRIDAY Alerts
Thinking of coming to Rocky, or just wanting to know the latest important news? The park website has an Alert page that you can access from anywhere on the website. 
The park homepage is https://www.nps.gov/romo/Below the pretty picture at the top of every park webpage is a black bar with several choices like “Plan Your Visit,” “Learn About the Park,” “Get Involved,” and Maps. Included in the black bar is the Alerts button; the little red number to the side indicates the number of alerts you’ll find.
Alerts are meant to quickly and conveniently convey dangers, closures, cautions, and information that may affect your plans. Be sure to check here prior to your visit.
(Bull elk on tundra NPS/VIP K Daugherty) ks 

#RockyMountainNationalPark #NationalPark #Colorado #CO 






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Alpine Wildflowers

December 30, 2014

From Rocky Mountain National Park:

Looking back... last summer was a spectacular alpine wildflower season. Do you have a favorite Rocky memory from 2014? NPS photo by VIP Schonlau cl

Centennial YouTube Project - YouTube

December 30, 2014

From Rocky Mountain National Park:

Video (1:13)



Centennial YouTube Project - YouTube

Quote of the Day

December 30, 2014

From Rocky Mountain National Park:

Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. -Hal Borland (NPS/Ranger Smith) ks